FloridaMakes has announced the recipients of the 2025 Florida Manufacturer Employer of Choice Awards. The awards recognize manufacturers in Florida that have created workplaces focused on employee growth, retention, and development. The honorees will be recognized at the MakeMore Manufacturing Summit scheduled for October 22, 2025, in Orlando.
The large manufacturer category includes Medtronic (Jacksonville), Bausch + Lomb (Tampa), Sun Hydraulics (Sarasota), and Nautique Boat Company (Orlando). Medium manufacturers recognized are 247 Manufacturing (Fort Lauderdale area), MtronPTI (Orlando), and Jupiter Bach (Pensacola). Small manufacturer honorees are EZ Automation Systems, LLC (Jacksonville), VGM Holdings, LLC (South Florida), and Ecological Laboratories, Inc. (Cape Coral).
The Employer of Choice program is a free online assessment developed by FloridaMakes. It evaluates companies using 39 human-capital metrics across six areas: recruitment and hiring, upskilling and career pathways, benefits, financial wellness, employee support and environment, and employee engagement. The assessment provides an objective benchmark for job quality and workplace practices.
Candy Cole, Executive Director of the Manufacturers Association of Central Florida, said, “The manufacturers recognized here in Central Florida are a testament to the power of investing in people. These companies understand that creating a culture where employees feel valued, supported, and equipped to grow is key to long-term success. Their commitment strengthens not only their own operations but the entire Central Florida manufacturing community.”
Kevin Carr, Chief Executive Officer at FloridaMakes, stated, “FloridaMakes is proud to support the Florida Manufacturing Employer of Choice program. By recognizing these outstanding companies, we highlight the essential role a strong workplace culture plays in helping manufacturers attract and retain top talent, while driving competitiveness across the state.”
Awarded companies receive a detailed analytics report with benchmarks and recommendations to help improve workforce practices.
FloridaMakes is a public-private partnership that aims to strengthen Florida’s manufacturing sector by offering advice and technical assistance. It serves as the official representative of the MEP National Network and NIST MEP in Florida. More information about the Employer of Choice program can be found at www.FloridaMakes.com/eoc.
